Do you have a smallish kitchen? Or maybe you're on the fence about work islands (think they're too suburban?). Here are 10 low-commitment, problem-solving options, ranging in price from $250 to Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Above: West Elm's retro-styled Cabin Kitchen Island has a solid oak top and a white lacquer finish; $999.
Above: The Sheridan Kitchen Island from Crate & Barrel is available in gray, white, or black for $699.
Above: The Olofstrorp island in pine is $249 from Ikea.
Above: The Quovis Counter-Height Table designed by architect Giulio Lazzotti is $1,400 from Design Within Reach.
Above: The March Kitchen Work Table, designed and fabricated by Berkeley-based Matt Bear, combines the lines and lightness of a kitchen table with optional accessories for tools and storage. Contact March for pricing and more information.
Above: The Salvaged Wood Kitchen Island is made from solid pine timbers and is available in a range of sizes; prices start at $1,870 from Restoration Hardware.
Above: The simple John Boos Cucina Classico Work Table with Maple Top is available in two sizes; prices start at $661.48 from Kitchen Source. See a version at work in designer Lena Corwin's Brooklyn kitchen.
Above: The custom Mise en Place Work Table from Dublin-born, Cape Town-based chef Liam Tomlin inspired by the French culinary principle of mise en place, or "everything in its place." Made from solid ash with a cast-iron frame, the design includes cutting boards, glass holders, a wine rack, and more. Go to Chef's Warehouse & Cookery School for details.
Above: The marble-topped Modular Kitchen Island from Williams-Sonoma is available with a polished nickel, antiqued brass, or oiled bronze base; $1,995 to $2,495, depending on finish.
Above: Room & Board's Fisher Two-Drawer Kitchen Island is available in three sizes and in a choice of materials; prices start at $1,819.
For more inspiration, peruse our vast Kitchen Photo Gallery.